Feb
29
2012
29
2012
Winds of Change
Filed under: Life Updates, Moving
There are lots of wonderful things about living up in the mountains. There are also a lot of challenges. Cold. Lots and lots of snow. Wind like you’ve never felt before. Mama was about to lose her mind being so isolated…so we prayed a lot and waited. And after finding a subleaser within just 1 day of listing it, we headed back to the low lands…with a new understanding that we can LOVE the mountains and enjoy them without actually living IN them. (A side note for those who are new here…we moved to Nederland for a “mountain trial run” with the intent to re-evaluate in July when our temporary lease was up…we just came back down a few months early!).
All packed up…a familiar feeling for us! It was a pretty easy move because we didn’t own any furniture except our bed.
Longmont welcomed us with open arms and a big ‘ol sunshiney day to move into our new house. Can you believe this temperature is just one day after the first photo up in Nederland?! Crazy.
Lucy (and Bella) are pretty smitten with our new place…and so are we. It’s a quirky little house built in the early 1900′s…but it was completely gutted and remodeled about 4 years ago. It’s got everything on our “list” and we are LOVING being closer to city life again. Oh, and see that little mailbox there? I love having a mailbox ON my house again! Send me a direct email if you would like my new address. (janssenfamily (at) gmail (dot) com)
An empty trailer. Yay! We are getting settled…although with me being 34 weeks pregnant and Matt working full-time, it seems slower than our normal pace. We moved in about 5 days ago and we have have found all the furniture we’ve needed on Craigslist, so we’re super happy about that! I’m in full nesting mode…creating a cozy space for my family and for a new little one. I’m very ready to embrace the final weeks of my pregnancy…enjoying the warmer weather and being closer to my community of friends and family.
Posted by Sara @ 9:27 pm | Leave a Comment
29
2012
So great!! Can’t wait to see pics of the new place!
29
2012
I was just thinking the other day about snail mail and how much I love it. I remember your post about it when you moved to the mountains and I was going to send you some goodies and art work for your girls my daughter makes. It’s crazy how things work out. Congrats on the move and enjoy your new house. Can’t wait to see pics.
29
2012
As someone who has only ever been for a day trip to the snow, I can only imagine how tough it would be living every day in those conditions.
Really looking forward to seeing photos of the new place, you always seem to make everything seem so homely!
Hope you manage to rest up for the last few precious weeks of this pregnancy.
Rhiannon x
29
2012
i want to see pictures! lmk if you see anything for rent around old town
29
2012
Mountain living can be such a challenge, and I really feel you on the frustration with how isolated it can be. I live in the mountains of Utah, above a rural town near Park City. We live in a gated community, and our roads are closed during the winter months so we actually have to snowmobile the short distance to our home. The isolation has been biggest struggle as a new mother actually, but I am finally beginning to settle into this new place and this new role, and luckily I have discovered some like-minded mamas who don’t mind trekking through a quarter mile of snow with their little ones to come and visit, and that feels good!
1
2012
You are beyond amazing. I’ve moved 20 times in the past 6 years and always struggled. You’re my inspiration for when we need to move again! Simple and making cozy houses comes to you naturally and I admire that God-given talent. Perhaps you could one day have an e-course on how to make a home from temporary housing on a budget? Just an idea.
I have something to send you that’s been sitting here for ages so this gives me the motivation to do it! I’ll email you. xx
1
2012
Good for you. Must also be a nice relief not being so isolated as you near the welcoming of your newest little one ;o).
1
2012
I understand the feelings. We used to live out in the “sticks”, and I was at home with the kids without a car for one winter. I have good memories from that time, but I’m happy to have moved on since! God bless you and your family in your new home <3 I'll be praying for lots of peace and rest as your new little one is sure to be coming soon. xx
1
2012
No way! moving at 34 weeks pregnant….major props to you, girl
I’ve been thinking of you, lately, knowing your babe is coming soon. As always, can’t wait to see pics of the new place!
1
2012
So glad you found a place you love. Can’t wait to see pics.
1
2012
Oh, I an so understand this…we lived in the mountains of NC (northwestern corner) for about 5 years…my husband had always wanted to live there. We lived on a ridge (though we had the one flat yard in our neighborhood, which was nice!), and the wind and snow were so constant that my young son got to where he would practically panic if we had to go out to get in the car when the wind was really blowing. And not to mention how I felt about it – I am NOT a cold weather gal : ) Finally tired of the cold, and having to drive at least 20 minutes to get anywhere, we jumped at the chance to move back down to the piedmont! Even my mountain-loving husband was ready for the change. We now deal with the heat and humidity by having a pool, which I’ll take anyday over 6 solid months of winter. Wow, that ended up being a long story…
Your new place sounds amazing, and I’m so happy you’re in a place that soothes your soul, especially at this point in your pregnancy! Take care of yourself…wishing you the best…
1
2012
So glad you found a place and can’t wait to see pics.
1
2012
Want to see the new place!!! all the very best sweet family!
1
2012
Welcome to the lowlands! LOL! Yeah, as much as I fantasize about living in the mountains, I realize it is just that–a fantasy. I could never tolerate the looooong, cold winters and the WIND! OMG the WIND! I would go CRAZY. I figure I could make do with a summer cabin in the mountain, though.
1
2012
wow..you guys are awesome! hope all is going smoothly!
1
2012
totally get where you are coming from. we lived super rural (norcal) for 5 months. we only had a po box too. being so isolated was really really rough for me (i think i was really depressed), so making the decision to move to “civilization” was a good one! it’s funny how having a real mailbox can be so exciting! seeing our mailman every day makes me smile.
1
2012
No offense, but you must be SO rich to be able to move so often. It’s not like you are moving for a job.
You change homes and motorhomes like 2 or 3 or 4 times a year. Moving is very expensive even if you move yourself. Deposit money, gas for the move, new craig’s list furniture, boxes, tape, etc. Seems almost wasteful. Imagine if you stayed in your orginial home you owned when you first got married, your mortage payment would be the same or less than your rent and moving expenses. God’s speed.
1
2012
Kendra…
No, we are not “rich”, but please remember in your judgement that you don’t know me, my family, or the circumstances behind our lives. What you do know is what I choose to share here on my blog, which is a small snippet of our existence and not all the minute details that go into a big decision such as a move. We do not take it lightly and this has just been God’s plan for us at this point in our lives.
1
2012
Well, I don’t know how they do it either. I would go nutsola moving that much. But I think Sara knows how to keep to the minimal stuff so moving isn’t as big of an issue as it would be for the rest of us.
Plus, they usually get deals with the landlords to fix it up first which earns/saves them money.
And then they buy an RV, make it beautiful, live in it for a while then sell it and make a profit.
And boxes and tape aren’t that big of a deal to purchase but I bet they get the boxes for free because Sara is frugal.
It’s all about your perspective, Kendra.
1
2012
Kendra, I don’t know Sara personally, but i have read her blog for years. Let’s remember to be gentle and kind to one another. Maybe your intent was not to judge, but what is right for one person may not be right for another. I believe Sara and her husband have made lifestyle choices that allow them to live the life they do. Their life is quite different from mine, but I love reading about their adventures. When we read about and observe lives that are different from ours it can help us grow and see possibilities beyond out own lives. It isn’t about someone else being “SO rich” or being wasteful, it is about respecting the lifestyle choices of others and being content in our own life. We need to give people grace to grow and change, even if that growth and change make us uncomfortable.
Sara, I wish you much joy and happiness in your new home! Thank you for sharing and being so honest on your blog.
1
2012
Congratulations Sara, it seems that you and your family know when to stay, and know when to go. I love the way your life ebbs and flows with changes. It seems exciting and liberating, and I am sure much in between. I respect what you wrote about this being one small portion of your life and thank-you for sharing it. As someone who is landlocked because of extended family obligations, I love your photos and stories and look forward to a day when I might experience my own journey. Cheers!
1
2012
I, for one, admire you for moving! It takes a lot of faith, free spiritedness and a can do personality to move around. I love that you guys change it up when you need to, there’s nothing wrong with that at all! Don’t ever let anyone’s opinions or hang ups stop you from enjoying life they way you want to ( and I can tell that you don’t
Some people say can and some people say can’t.
On that note, I’ve lived in my one bedroom apartment here in San Francisco for 10 years! And I have 2 kids. And actually, we make a lot of money but have not been able to move yet. And reading your post makes me realize we are the ones that say can’t! I wanna say CAN! And your post makes me realize anything is possible with a positive, FAITHFUL and energetic attitude! Thanks Sara!
1
2012
Holy moly, mama! You’re a moving machine!
Happy that you’re finding happiness elsewhere. I’m going to miss seeing all the pictures of that cozy place.
1
2012
How exciting! I’ve enjoyed seeing your “mountain” life but it does seem like the lowlands fit you guys so well (plus, what fun to be part of a community again). I’m so excited to see what you do with the new place! We’re going to be moving to the UK in the fall, and I’m slowly starting to get rid of a bunch of stuff. It’s still hard to know what to keep (not much), what to store (even less) and what to take, but your family (and Miss Minimalist) is such a big inspiration to me on that front. I’d love to read another post, maybe about the “must have” things you move from house to house that really keep it feeling like home.
2
2012
TOTALLY TOTALLY ADMIRE YOU GUYS!!!
I don’t know how you do it but one thing is for sure it must be on a wing and a prayer and God guiding your every step!!
Take care of yourself sweet mama, enjoy your nesting and I’ll mail you for your address and knit a little something for your babe.
Love and hugs to you
San xxx
2
2012
Sara, I’m excited for you and the fam! I’ve been following your blog for 3 years now and I have enjoyed reading about every move and all of your adventures.
On a side note, I thought of you the other day when I had a nasty comment left on my blog. It really shook me up and made me sad. I thought about you and how well you have handled the few negative comments I’ve seen left here (including the one from Kendra). I admire your grace in replying to critics.
Wishing you a peaceful time settling in to your new home, and getting ready for the new babe!
xoxo
Lisa
PS, your painting should be there in a few days!
2
2012
Sara and Matt and girls, it was great to meet you and hear about your life adventures. The back-country will definitely be a changed place because of you.
Be richly blessing in your new house, with your new babe, and continue to charge forward in the direction of Him.
With that last 30″ snow and the constant gale-force winds in Ned, we wouldn’t have lasted nearly as long as you’ve endured it.
Maybe we’ll see you again, until then, take care.
DL, Mia, Zia, Caleb, and the new lil Aug wonder
2
2012
Wow! I thought we were the only ones who moved alot (8 times this year.) I know this feeling very well… our lives also reflect a bit of Goldilocks and the 3 bears — not too windy, not too cold, but just right! We are close by (Boulder), so if you need help moving things around, please do not hesitate to ask! xo
-Cheryl
2
2012
I don’t really think Kendra was judging Sara. Sure, lots of your readers don’t know you, but follow along with your life as you blog it. It does appear that you happen to be very well off, since I know also that it takes a lot of money to move on and off again.
I am confused as to why you felt to be so defensive to her comment?
Lately, I felt like your blog (of which I used to love reading) has lacked authenticity. The only comments that get responses, are often ones that you don’t agree with.
I am sure you are thinking ” ok, then quit reading”
and I don’t think I will be visiting anymore, which is sad because I have been a reader for years.
Try to remember that your readers are your fans. No one is attacking you, and perhaps Kendra’s situation is one where she wishes she could up and move too.
best wishes on your upcoming delivery
2
2012
First of all, what does Sara’s financial situation have anything to do with anyone else. Whether she is a millionaire or lives paycheck to paycheck is irrelevant. I don’t understand why her moving automatically makes her rich. Regardless, it’s a moot point.
Sara is about as authentic as they come. She can be counted on to live her life optimistically while maintaining the ups and downs of real life.
I just don’t understand any why there would be any negative comments on this posts.
Keep on truckin’, Sara! You lead a beautiful and rich (no pun intended) life!
2
2012
I’ve been reading this blog for years. It was the first blog I ever started reading. I don’t care if Sara is rich or poor, seriously what does that have to do with anything? I am grateful for her allowing us into her lives.
2
2012
Thanks Jay.
You are 100 percent correct. I wasn’t judging Sara at all. Actually quite the contrary, and I really don’t have to know ALL the reasons for her decisions to move so often. The fact is she does! Moving is very expensive, and I think it can perceived as wasteful especially when it’s not for a job. That is the point.
I hope Sara is rich, and know they are rich in many ways besides monetary value. Her financial state has nothing to do with my point/comment.
I think this blog is changing, and I like you Jay, have been a fan of this blog for many, many years.
Good Luck with your upcoming delivery.
2
2012
Hey Sara,
Sorry to hear you’ve moved out of our neck of the woods! We enjoyed what little time we were able to spend with you, right from admiring your dreads and meeting you in the library!
Hope you settle into your new home quickly, and blessings on your new baby!
Mia
7
2012
Mia…I’m so sad we didn’t get to see you more! Life happened…holidays, sickness, weather, ack!! We so enjoyed our time spent with you. I love the cord boxes you’re doing with Kristine. So beautiful!! Much love to you…praying for a wonderful birth for your little one!
2
2012
We are looking at possibly selling our home – one that I’ve lived in for 25+ years – and it’s a daunting task. It’s important to me to put down roots that can grow and grow and provide a solid homebase for our family for years to come and I can’t imagine moving time and again. I really don’t know how families do it. I love to come “home” and am very invested in my family’s surrounding, which takes time, thought, creativity, money, and more time. I’m only doing this once! I’d have a breakdown if I did it more than once a decade.
7
2012
Jen…yes, there are many people out there who feel like you do. And there are just as many who “take home with them”…whether that be on the road or from house to house. I think we have all been wired differently and I’m so thankful we can all be true to whatever that is!
Much love!
2
2012
Although I would really like to know HOW YOU FIND these places! Seriously. Seems like this one doesn’t need any fixing up so that is a plus w/ baby on the way.
How do you find the ones that need fixed up and how do you find the ones that are ready to move in?
Especially curious because as I was helping my friend look for a new place recently and the landlords did a back ground check & credit check and charged around $25 for it, also required references and looked at her past rental history.
That alone was the stressful part! Moving not as stressful as finding the place to move TO!
Keep on posting. Look forward to reading more from you.
7
2012
It’s a process!
We just try to stick with private landlords and not rental companies…and look in older parts of town. We’ve had a mix of needing to be remodeled and had a few that are move in ready. It does help that we have a good track record and that Matt runs his own maintenance company. Landlords like us. But honestly, it’s hard! It’s all about JUMPING when you see what you know you want. This particular house we are in now was listed and Matt called within a few minutes because he has an alert on his phone for Craigslist. We were there looking at it within a few hours and took it immediately. The landlord had 10 other inquiries in that time. That happened with our last house in Longmont too. So…lots of prayer and trusting. And being willing to make a quick decision.
8
2012
Thanks for sharing that tidbit. Did you get a month-to-month lease or did you sign a year lease? Does it look bad to future landlords to break a lease? Or do you have to get a subleaser?
I’m really proud of you for knowing what you wanted and moving. You knew you weren’t happy and you acted. That is great. Especially to be so isomelated with a new bsby would be really hard.
I’ve rented the same house for 4.5 years, we rent from an old widow who we knew because she was neighbors to our friends. So that means we moved in next to our friends and our other friends moved in on the other side. We have a little community on our corner and it is really awesome.
8
2012
We signed a year lease. We also took care of all of the details of finding a subleaser for the remaining 4 months of our original lease. We are on very good terms with our former landlord and remain in touch. Walking away from a lease would never bode well
although I know people do it all the time.
That is so fun that you live right by friends…we’ve had that a few times in our life and those were the BEST times!! Enjoy…
2
2012
I’ve been a longtime follower too! Sara, your style and eclectic way of life and have been inspiring to me. I give you mad props for recognizing that mountain life isn’t for you and having the determination and drive to change your location before your new baby comes. And I think it’s awesome that you gave it a whirl.
I love that you guys move around all the time. For a boring suburbanite like me it’s fun to vicariously enjoy your adventures.
For Kendra: starting a statement with “No offense but…” immediately puts the reader on the defense. It may start with “no offense” but almost always contains something offensive and/or judgmental. Also, the phrase “you must be SO rich” is rarely used out of admiration for a person’s financial management abilities. It seems most often to be used as an insult, like “Wow, you have so much money you are out of touch with real life…”. Whether you meant for your comment to be taken this way or not, I hope you can see why it put Sara on the defense.
And for pete’s sake people, of course Sara’s blog is different than it was four or five years ago! She has three (almost!) little children. Life with three is a LOT different than life with one. She’s busy being a good mama.
Okay, I’ll step off my soapbox now
7
2012
Thank you for your support Annie…it means a lot. Yes, you are right on with my blog changing…to sit down and write an “article” type blog post is almost impossible these days!! Those types of posts would sometimes take 4-5 hours. Whoa! Easy peasy when my ONE child would go to bed at 7pm. Not any more. So I will do what feels right and blog about the little beauties I find in daily life. xxoo
3
2012
ANNIE!!!! Yes, yes, yes! Everything I wanted to say but was in too much of a hurry to thoughtfully plan out!
3
2012
I am off in a little cabin with cabin fever too, in dark Sweden with no stay at home moms in this country and no sun I was dreaming of escaping to a sun filled Nederland, Co. So I love you shared it was making you crazy…helps me check at least one option off my wishlist of alternate lives, more sun but still isolated, PLUS wind would not be the thing. Happy nesting and birthing in the new home!! Keep your magical bubble around you, with a public facade and a baby growing, you to generate a nice thick psychic protection from random bloggie intrusions into your peace as your mental space gets more open vapory near your birthing time. Log some posts to save so you are not pressured to write when the babe is new. xxoo
7
2012
Thank you friend…your words are like a balm and are a good reminder. I love how you describe my mental space right now. Yes. Very vapory! xxoo
4
2012
It looks like you move as often as we do!
Sounds like you found a nice place. Hoping you get to rest a little before baby comes.
I don’t comment often but love stopping by your blog. I would love to have your address and send you a postcard to your adorable mailbox! alexdk@live.ca
4
2012
I always have to chuckle at how often you move. I moved often as a kid, and my mom tells me that I always hated to even go on vacation and when we did, I couldn’t wait to get back home. She, on the other hand, always looked at moving as an adventure. Now, my husband and I have chosen the house that we expect will be our last and we couldn’t be happier. I think as long as everyone in your family is content to travel around, good for you.
I have a question though, it looks like you aren’t sending out tweets anymore, is this correct, or am I not clicking in the right place to see current tweets? Anyway, it would just be nice to know one way or another whether or not I should spend time looking.
7
2012
No, I just haven’t been tweeting much lately. I ebb and flow with my social media
Just no time for one more thing right now. But I’ll be back.
4
2012
Wonderful that you dont have to stay in a home you feel isolated in especially with that newborn season approaching.Its the family that make the home (and stability) not the home that makes the family.
It so sad that people find the need to leave negative comments…
Bless you and your family
5
2012
Yay for you! I look forward to pictures of your new home.
7
2012
I have also followed this blog for years. I am amazed Sara has time to keep up with it! I love getting little snippets from her life. Though I do miss some of the early day type postings, ie downsizing, frugal living, type most-I realize with three little ones a mama only has so many minutes in a day with blogging way down the list of the to do’s.
I will admit feeling a relief they will be down off that mountain before delivery day!! Don’t know why but it just feels better this way LOL. Like my opinion matters LOL. Love ya Sara!
7
2012
I cannot thank you enough for the blog.